The Buffalo Bills have begun preliminary contract negotiations with pending free-agent safety Jairus Byrd, reports ESPN. No deal is imminent, according to an NFL source.
But the Bills' proactive approach is an early sign the team wants to work out an extension before Byrd becomes a free agent in March.
Byrd, 26, leads the Bills in interceptions and forced fumbles. He is third on the team in tackles.
Byrd has 17 career interceptions in four seasons and is wrapping up the final five games under his rookie contract. He was drafted by the Bills in the second round in 2009.